Energy Efficiency (EE) Certificate

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This certificate is designed to provide fundamental training in the Energy Services field. Students will learn to analyze utility bills, electrical and gas systems, and to then make cost-effective recommendations for energy efficiency upgrades including alternative energy sources, solid-state LED lighting, high-tech cooling, solar and heat-recovery space heating, and resource management procedures.

EE Certificate Requirements

Departmental Certificate (13 Units)

EE 1, Introduction to Energy Efficiency (3 units)
Learn basic energy concepts, lighting fundamentals and identification of opportunities for building efficiency. Topics include scientific principles of energy, heat transfer, light measurement, and applying them to comply with energy codes and standards, to meter and monitor results, and to discuss economic, regulatory, and infrastructure issues.

EE 2, Residential Building Science (3 units)
Learn basic energy concepts related to system analysis of a house or building, understanding daylighting options, and choosing retrofits to increase building efficiency. Topics include energy modeling, green building measurement systems, benchmarking, and State energy codes and standards, and a more holistic understanding of sustainability.

EE 3, Commercial Building Science (4 units)
Prepare for professional application of energy improvements in the field of commercial building facilities design, construction, and management, especially related to benchmarking for energy and water efficiency, certification as a green building, and measurement and verification of building performance.

Introduces HVAC and lighting systems, provides skills necessary to monitor and control these systems and strategize energy efficiency and operational measures to reduce energy use, power demand, and utility costs, while maintaining or enhancing comfort and services. The course addresses the gas and electric utility incentives to reduce demand, including demand response, and energy storage.

PV 11, Introduction to Solar Photovoltaics (3 units)
An accelerated lab class that prepares the student on the many aspects and job skills needed for work in the solar industry, whether as an installer, a crew lead, a designer, or even as an owner.

or

PV 12: Photovoltaic Installation Exam Preparation (2 units)
Examine the theoretical and technical dimensions of PV systems in detail, learn advanced principles of electricity, sizing and design, components and equipment, as well as local and national codes for PV. Students who have taken PV11 or have industry experience will also be qualified to take the North America Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Entry Level exam.

Industry Job Options

Energy efficiency auditor

Energy Benchmarking Professional (Industry Certification forthcoming)

Energy Efficiency Rater (HERS)

Building Analyst

Goals of the Program

Students will demonstrate knowledge of basic safety and health concerns in building management activities related to energy use and indoor air quality;

Students will perform an energy analysis of a residence or businesses, starting with utility bills and focusing on retrofits to reduce energy usage;

Students will suggest efficiency measures and estimate energy consumption in electrical, mechanical, and heat energy units to determine cost-effectiveness;

Students will make recommendations for alternative energy production and storage methods to reduce utility costs and substitute sustainable options for fossil fuel energy use and non-renewable resource use.

How to Get Started on Your Certificate

Apply as a New or Returning Student. You will need information such as social security number or a valid Tax Identification Number, educational history, residence information and more.

Note: Remember to fill out the
FAFSA if you need financial assistance.

Fill out the application. Under
Major Field of Study, choose: Solar Photovoltaic Installation.

You will need to take the
Online Orientation using your new student ID # and password (date of birth: mmddyy). You do not need to take assessment tests.

Plan your classes in
MyEdPlan or see a counselor to discuss your academic plans.

Enroll in classes on
Corsair Connect you received by email from finishing the application.

Click on
Enrollment Services.

Select the semester you wish to take classe s.

Click
Add a Class in the left navigation.

Find your class by clicking
Search for Classes , select the
Enrollment Semester, and choose PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS as the
Field of Study. You can also browse classes in the
Schedule of Classes.

Input the section # s

Pay fees under
Fees Online in the left navigation or visit the Bursar's Office to pay in person. View
Fee information for details.

Attend an orientation to get ready for your certificate program. You will receive an invitation email after you've enrolled in class on orientation details.